Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced $2.2 million in federal funding for Boys & Girls Clubs across the Third District. This funding is being used to support new or existing workforce development programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lowell, Lawrence, Greater Haverhill, MetroWest, and Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner. This programming includes career pathway exploration, job skill training, and work-based learning experiences for local teens at each of the five clubs. This federal investment was secured by Congresswoman Trahan during negotiations over the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding package.

“Boys and Girls Clubs across the Third District go above and beyond to give thousands of children and teens the chance to reach their full potential,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Their career pathway programs have successfully prepared countless young people to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce. That’s why I went to bat for this significant federal investment – because we should be doing everything possible to expand access to these programs with a tremendous track record of success.”

The fie Boys & Girls Clubs receiving funding collectively serve more than 7,000 children and teens per year in their communities. Each club will receive $400,000 to support new or existing workforce development programming.

“We are grateful to Congresswoman Trahan and her team for the Community Project Funding for Building Better Workforces,” said Joe Hungler, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell. “This funding gives teens access to the resources, connections and experiences necessary to find a pathway to a sustainable career. It will deepen partnerships with Boys & Girls Club teens, staff and organizations in eight communities, creating more synergy and opportunities than any one Club could do on its own.”

“This Community Project Funding secured by Congresswoman Trahan will be a true game-changer for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence,” said Markus Fischer, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence. “We’ve always wanted to provide workforce development opportunities at the Club, but we never had the funds to do so. Now we can provide the training, internships and other workforce development activities that will round out the life-skills building that the Club has provided since 1891.”

“Thanks to the Community Project Funding grant, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill has provided our teens with significant experiences and opportunities,” said Javier Bristol, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill. “Our goal is to enhance student success by connecting work and learning experiences. We aim to establish connections between high schools, local colleges, and the business community to facilitate a smooth transition to a prosperous post-high school life.”

“This transformational investment in the Clubs in Hudson, Marlborough, and Framingham will give us the opportunity to provide youth workers with professional development, career exploration, and job training,” said Chris Duane, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for the Community Project Funding she secured that will help make this work possible.”

“On behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner, I am thrilled to celebrate Congresswoman Lori Trahan for her unwavering dedication to our community,” said Elizabeth Coveney, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner. “The $2.2 million Community Project Funding she has secured is a transformative investment in our regional workforce development projects, empowering our youth with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. This support will enable us to expand our programs, fostering the next generation of leaders right here in our district. We are profoundly grateful for Congresswoman Trahan’s vision and commitment to our mission, and we look forward to seeing the remarkable impact of this funding on our Clubhouse and beyond.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) utilizes an evidence-informed approach built on three on three pillars proven to be most effective in workforce training and career-education programs. Through Career Exploration and Matching, young people can explore various career clusters and education/training required for various pathways, and BGCA staff help guide them to matching careers based on their strengths, interests, and passions. Through Skills Development, teens are taught skills valued by potential employers such as communication, active listening, collaboration, prioritization, professionalism, and ethical behavior. Lastly, through Work-Based Learning Experiences, young adults engage in BGCA programs such as Junior Staff and partnerships with community organizations to allow them to gain real-world work experience and job-readiness skills.

By providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement, the BGCA’s new and ongoing workforce development projects will help young people succeed in good-paying jobs, benefit local organizations and small businesses, and boost the local economy. 

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